QMI Agency

SIMCOE, Ont. -- Five surviving puppies found poisoned in the Caledonia, Ont., area are now recovering at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA.

Seven of the large breed puppies, believed to be about seven months old, were baited and poisoned sometime around May 7. Two had to be euthanized.

The dogs were staggering and had elevated respiratory rates when they were picked up by Animal Control Services.

They were taken to Canon's Cause, a local dog rescue, at Grand River Animal Hospital in Caledonia, on the Niagara Peninsula.

The surviving pups were transported to Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) on Friday.

"This is a sad case," Dr. Jennifer Farr, director of HBSPCA Companion Animal Hospital, said in a media release.

"Baiting dogs to ingest toxins is cruel and inhumane treatment. If people are concerned about stray animals, we urge them to contact their local Animal Control Services or SPCA."

More tests will need to be done to assess the dogs' condition. It will be another seven to 10 days for a full recovery before they can be placed up for adoption.

"The Grand River Animal Hospital team, including members of Canon's Cause, are the heroes here," Karen Reichheld, manager of animal care at HBSCPA, said in the media release. "The team intervened quickly; they induced vomiting, fed the dogs charcoal, and performed early diagnostics."

People wishing to donate or sponsor the dogs' recovery can go to http://hbspca.com/.